Rajasthan Royals started IPL 2026 very well with four wins, but now their form has dropped. They have lost three of their last four matches.
The batting is mostly dependent on young star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who played a brilliant innings of 103 runs in just 37 balls against SRH. Still, RR lost that match as the bowling could not defend 228.
Captain Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer are not in good form, so RR may look for changes in the next match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.
Predicted RR Playing XI vs PBKS
RR are still searching for their best combination. Here is the expected playing XI based on current form.
| Player | Role | Runs | Strike Rate | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batter | 255 | 153.61 | – | – |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Batter | 357 | 234.86 | – | – |
| Dhruv Jurel | WK-Batter | 232 | 163.38 | – | – |
| Riyan Parag | All-rounder | 88 | 112.82 | – | – |
| Ravi Singh | WK-Batter | – | – | – | – |
| Donovan Ferreira | All-rounder | 130 | 146.06 | 1 | – |
| Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder | 132 | 128.15 | 6 | 7.00 |
| Jofra Archer | Bowler | – | – | 13 | 8.03 |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler | – | – | 11 | 9.54 |
| Nandre Burger | Bowler | – | – | 8 | 9.25 |
| Brijesh Sharma | Bowler | – | – | 7 | 8.74 |
Time to Drop Shimron Hetmyer?
Shimron Hetmyer has been an important finisher for RR, but his current form is a big concern.
He has scored only 72 runs in 6 innings with an average of 14.40 and a strike rate of 116.12. For a finisher, this strike rate is too low.
In IPL 2024, he also struggled but still had a good strike rate of around 163. This season, even that impact is missing.
Hetmyer recently performed well in T20 World Cup 2026, scoring 248 runs in 7 innings with a strike rate above 186. But in IPL, his finishing role is not working right now.
Who Can Replace Hetmyer?
RR have a few options if they decide to drop him.
- Dhruv Jurel is in great form but is now batting at No. 3, so RR may not change his position
- Ravi Singh is a fresh option and could get a chance in the middle order
- Donovan Ferreira is already in the team and can play as a finisher if promoted
Right now, Ravi Singh looks like the most likely replacement if RR make a change.
Also See : DC vs RCB IPL 2026: Will Ngidi and Starc Miss Tonight’s Match? Full Update
Any Changes in Bowling?
RR’s bowling attack is still strong and consistent.
Jofra Archer is leading with 13 wickets, while Nandre Burger has taken 8 wickets. Ravi Bishnoi is doing well in spin with 11 wickets.
Ravindra Jadeja has been very economical in the middle overs, keeping runs under control. Brijesh Sharma has also contributed with wickets.
RR Bowling Summary
| Bowler | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Jofra Archer | 13 | 8.03 |
| Ravi Bishnoi | 11 | 9.54 |
| Nandre Burger | 8 | 9.25 |
| Brijesh Sharma | 7 | 8.74 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 6 | 7.00 |
There is also a chance RR may try Dasun Shanaka as an all-round option, especially in Mullanpur where pacers get some help.
Impact Sub Options
RR have multiple Impact Sub choices for match situations.
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius
- Tushar Deshpande
- Kuldeep Sen
- Sandeep Sharma
- Dasun Shanaka
These players can help RR adjust based on match conditions.
Final Thoughts
Rajasthan Royals need a strong comeback against PBKS.
Shimron Hetmyer’s form is a major concern, and RR may finally take a bold decision to drop him. Ravi Singh or Donovan Ferreira could get bigger roles in the middle order.
The bowling unit is performing well, so RR will depend on them again to control the match.
CricketMAN2 will keep you updated with all team changes and match updates from IPL 2026.
